How long after a molt does it take for the fangs etc. to harden on a 4 millimeter long T. seladonia sling?

[Arachnopotamus Rex]

Is it still about 1 week even though its this tiny?

 

[sparticus]

With my tiny slings I go by behavior. If I see them out hunting then they should be properly hardened up. You could also offer something small and soft like fruit flies or something pre-killed that won't damage the fangs by struggling if you aren't sure/ aren't able to see the sling to confirm stage in the molt cycle.

 

[viper69]

Behavior for me as well- no one actually knows

 

[Arachnopotamus Rex]

With my tiny slings I go by behavior. If I see them out hunting then they should be properly hardened up. You could also offer something small and soft like fruit flies or something pre-killed that won't damage the fangs by struggling if you aren't sure/ aren't able to see the sling to confirm stage in the molt cycle.

it molted on november 26th in the middle of the night.
T. seladonia is an arboreal trapdoor species, so it may not go hunting and might simply stay in its corkbark.
Is a dead pinhead cricket safe this early after the molt? I figured even dead the fangs would be too soft after only 3 days, but do to how tiny it is, i'm uncertain.

 

[sparticus]

I think offering a prekilled cricket would be fine. Mine will just refuse food if they aren't ready to eat yet, I assume it would just stay in the nest and ignore it. I don't keep this species, but I have had very small slings ready to eat again within 48 hrs of molting.

 

[l4nsky]

@sparticus has the correct thought process here. Tarantula fangs are designed for penetration and are strongest when used in the vertical orientation to pierce. Even when red, IMHO they wouldn't break if the animal just used them to stab into a prekilled prey item.

Where the fangs are weak is in the presence of a shearing force (side to side force) and when torque is applied (twisting force). These forces get imparted to the fangs by struggling prey that can grip it's surroundings and attempt to pull free from the tarantula as it struggles. If you're feeding prekilled, then these forces aren't applied to the fangs, so it's a non-issue.

When you're ever in doubt of the molt status of an animal (ie about to molt, just molted, etc), default to a prekilled prey item on their webbing. Worst case scenario, you'll just have to pull out a moldy feeder carcass a few days later.

 

[TheraMygale]

I agree with the last two posts. When in doubt, offer prekilled.

fresh molted prey is also softer. And there are waxworms that can be given as a treat. Fat, soft, barely puts up a struggle. White fresh molted mealworms, well killed, will be easy to suck.

thats what i do. My slings arent that small. But i wouldnt want a tiny sling to die because it needed food and i waited to long.

i offer prekill most of the time for my slings. Even if its after 7 days.

 

[Arachnopotamus Rex]

I put a prekilled pinhead next to its water dish (a transparent colorless 1x1 lego stud).
it kind of landed partially in the water because of how surface tension works with water droplets at that scale, so its probably gonna be pretty soft by the time it sees it.

 

[TheraMygale]

Try different things. Different places. If they dont take it, its nothing to worry about.

remove. And next day, try a different spot.

i usualy place my prekilled as close as possible to where ever they are. But a sling as small as yours wont be in a big enclosure. It will find it.

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Is it still about 1 week even though its this tiny?

That’s about right , they should be hardened .

 

[Glorfindel]

a week should be good to go

 

[TheraMygale]

How are the fangs looking? Did you get to see them lately? Did you feed it?

 

[Brewser]

Excellent Advice Given Previously,
No need to hurry or worry, patience is the name of the game.
Make sure water is available, and time for Hidden Brazilian Jewel to Harden.
Crystallize
Should be laying in wait by now, ready to spring trap.
Best Regards,

 

[darkness975]

Is it still about 1 week even though its this tiny?

Black fangs.